ONE of Robertson’s main attacking weapons, Pat Pearse, will watch from the sidelines when the Spuds and Warragamba Wombats battle it out in the under-18 Veolia Pennant grand final at Community Oval, Moss Vale, on Sunday (8.45am kick-off).

After scoring more than 20 tries this season Pearse was expected to be one of his side's big guns come grand final time, but a cruel twist of fate, in which he tore a hamstring in the major semi-final against the Wombats, has robbed Pearse of his chance at glory.

“It's hard sitting on the sideline and watching the boys play,” Pearse said

“But that's rugby league. I would give anything to be out there with them, but I will be there helping out wherever I can.

“They are revved up and they will win for sure.”

Pearse, as well as Warragamba, will be keeping his eye of teammate, Michael Wortz who has also helped himself to 20-plus tries, including a hat-trick against Mittagong in last Sunday’s 24-20 preliminary final win.

Wortz said the loss of Pearse will be the incentive for the Spuds to try even harder.

“We all want to win, not only for ourselves and the club, but for Pat,” he said.

“He has been playing great all season and it's just bad luck to get injured two weeks out from the grand final.”

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Friday, August 29